Title: NC Soil & Water Guide for Grassroots Politics

Original CoS Document (slug): nc-soil-water-guide-for-grassroots-politics

Created: 2022-06-23 13:18:18

Updated: 2023-07-01 03:00:00

Published: 2022-06-23 00:00:00

Converted: 2025-03-29T14:53:15.385125777

Many of us Convention of States volunteers are new to the political scene. If you’re like me, you’ve never been involved in politics before. The thought of it has been very distasteful. We activist have seen many horrible politicians turn their backs on those who elected them.

As Citizens For Self-Governance, we need to prepare ourselves for that responsibility. Who is going to step up and fill the role of citizen politician? How do we start? Where do we begin? Are you thinking of taking that plunge, yet the high dive is too scary? Consider the kiddy pool to start building your reputation of political clout.

A little known elect position, or should I say little attention given to, exists in nearly all 100 counties of North Carolina. Every district consists of five elected Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. Every two years, two to three members are elected to serve two or four-year terms. Oddly enough, many times these positions go unfilled. A lack of understanding or enthusiasm is most likely the cause. Current registration for this non-partisan position started June 13 and it's open until July 1.

Soil & Water supervisors work as representatives for the State Dept of Environmental Quality. It’s a part-time position with no pay. You will receive per diem and reimbursement. The position reviews contracts and requests for funding. No experience is no problem. Education courses will be provided. Some are mandatory, many are electives. The list is long, so you’ll be able to specialize in your field of choice. Stormwater management, soil preservation, watershed protection and potable water resource protection are essential elements.

Beginning the process will take you through candidate filing procedures. Second, you’ll learn how to operate an effective campaign. Of course, campaign financing is the important next step. Don’t sweat, this position is cheap. Most candidates don’t bother advertising. Congratulations is in order if you do finally get elected. That means you have successfully navigated the process.

You’ve learned what it takes to win elections. Now you understand so much more about how to win. What’s next? Learn your job well. Establish relationships with those you meet. Constantly build your name brand. How well you do this will determine where, how, or if you decide to advance to higher goals.

The totality of parameters falling within the purview of this office is huge. You will learn to work closely with County Commissioners and others. If you are a registered Republican, you will have increased privileges within the party. Republican candidates for election almost always get a chance to speak at every GOP executive committee meeting each month. Access to other elected officials will be more common. As an elected official, you will have opportunities to report at your County GOP Executive Committee meetings. In NC, 15 county GOP organizations allow some form of elected officials to have an extra vote as part of their executive committee membership.

I urge you to step up. We need more citizen politicians filling vacancies across the state. Be that volunteer dedicated to making a difference. Build your reputation.

Our next COS vote may need you in the Hallow Halls of our NC General Assembly. Registration for this position ends July 1st, 2022.

Also consider joining the Convention of States NC team, where we are pushing the state legislature to pass NC at state #20 to pass the Resolution calling for a convention.

Robert Johnson
NC Mid Coastal Regional Captain
6-23-22